It's been a funny old week with Sophie finally picking up the keys to her flat last Saturday that she's going to be sharing with a friend from QVC. Up to that point, we had no idea how much of 'her' furniture she would be taking as we had no dimensions. So on Saturday she measured up and, with the help of her brother, calculated what would fit into her new bedroom.

Sunday was the first trip over with 'stuff', followed by another trip on Monday and the big things like her bed and chests of drawers on Tuesday. Sophie was working the late shift on Monday and Tuesday so her first opportunity for packing the smaller fiddly bits was Wednesday, and then finally on Thursday everything was ready for her to move in.

It felt very strange leaving for work at lunchtime yesterday knowing that I would be returning to a house that Sophie no longer shared with us. I must admit to a lump in my throat and a few tears as I drove off up the road.

This is the start of a new phase in Sophie's life as she is also leaving QVC next Thursday to start a new career path. I am really happy for her but a little sorry for myself if I'm honest as, not only is she a lovely daughter, she has been a friend and a true support in what has been a very difficult year for me. The flat is only 20 minutes away by car so I'm sure we will still see plenty of her but nothing will ever be quite the same again.

I finished on air at 10pm last night and thought I would give her a quick ring to see how she was getting on at her new flat. Imagine my surprise when she said, "I'm not there, I'm at your house". Maybe I'm going to be seeing more of her than I thought!!! Apparently she had decided to drive over and have dinner with her brother, who had very kindly offered to cook for her.

Just one final delivery for Sophie today, my old Pilates machine. Speaking of which, I'm really looking forward to catching up with Marjolein for tomorrow's TSV at 11am and 3pm, as I missed her Anniversary shows at the end of last year.

Hope to see you there, much love Julia x

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46 Comments

Don’t worry Julia, it only took me 25 years to get over the empty nest syndrome, my daughter is now going through the same thing with my grandaughter striking out on her own. We know it is the natural order of things but it doesn’t make it any easier to bear does it? Hope Sophie is really happy in her new ventures.
Love Cindy xx

Ahh Julia although I have yet to experience empty nest syndrome I feel I am sort of going through some of your emotions I cried when I read your blog my eldest son is 20yrs old and is in and out of the house more out than in I have to say and I sit here and think what I will be like when he moves out and I can honestly say a blubbering wreck its just what us mummies are like take care x

Dear Julia-I have never felt so close to you as I have now—-I have 3 children-2 left home for good a few years ago after Uni and when they married, and I have 1 daughter left who lives with us with her daughter-our first grandchild(have 4 now).I am absolutely dreading the day the 2 of them leave-it upsets me to think about it as I can feel it coming soon. I have told my husband we are moving when they go as it will be unbearable without them and I will want a new start. Of course we are glad to see our children mature and have the confidence to go—-BUT WHAT ABOUT US!!!!!!!!!????????????:-)When did we all get so grown up so quickly? At least QVC keeps YOU company and busy—me too come to think of it.Be brave, wish Sophie well and lock Daniel up in the attic now!!!! Take care.
Love from K.XXX

Hi Julia,
It is a bit hard when they leave isn’t it, i had all this when my son left home.He now has a young family of his own, and only lives 10 mins by car away. They have just bought there own house,so i wish them luck with that. You made me laugh tonight when you said you forgot to do your face base,i thought you looked pale, must have felt nice though as i know you have to wear a lot of make up for tv. Just going to send out wedding invitations, it’s coming round so quickly now and yes i’m getting nervous.Off to buy the men’s suits,s in a few weeks and flower girls dresses a bit nearer the time as my little 8 year old keeps growing. Received my DG skinney’s in Paprika, got size 8 before they sold out, to be honest they are a bit lose on the hips, but will hang on to them.
Nearly forgot, i’m doing the race for life this year on June 17th in the Bournemouth area, i’m doing the 5k race. think the 10k would be to much for me at 55. lol
Take care
Kathy x

Hi Julia Well you will feel sorry for my mum and dad as I’m 46 this year and still living at home!! I got married in 1995 and shipped my husband in too!!!! We all get on well even after all these years, I must admit we did knock the house down and made it bigger and we have a little cattery business on site and my hubby works away for four days in the week perhaps that why it works!!! Everyone I knew said it wouldn’t last but we are all still going strong and more importantly we are all happy!!!
Good luck to Sophie in her new flat and her new job. I think Sophie is very lucky having such a good mum as you.
take care
Michelle

Hi Julia –
First of all, all good wishes to Sophie – no need to worry, she appears to be a lovely girl and I am sure you will see her on a regular basis (especially at meal times!!!!)
I have been a QVC customer for 14+ years and buy all my beauty products from QVC. However, I have been undergoing deep radio therapy on my spine (secondaries from my breast cancer 6yrs ago!) together with a high dose of steroids. My skin can only now be descibed as “elephant hide” and I have used up a full jar of L’Occitane shea ‘ointment’in the 2wks I was in Hospital!! I have now to commence a further course of chemo-therapy commencing on Wednesday. Please can you find out from Keeley, Decleor and Alison or whoever, which will be the most moisturising for my dried up, prune like skin!! Thank you for your help, Julia – as you have done in the past! I am pretty desperate to have ‘normal’ skin before the summer!!!!!!!! Love and Best wishes.

Morning Julia, todays TSV prompted me to read your blog I met and spoke to you at the beauty bash. Just wanted to let you know I followed your advice and now loving my pilates machine no stress or pressure on my joints, it’s fabulous thank you so much.
On the other hand my son moved of our home 4 yrs ago to a flat 5 minutes away, which made me feel a little happier knowing he was close, as my eldest son moved to London (a 4hr drive away) it was nice to see him after I attended the beauty bash. Although I know he is happy and doing well in his career, it still feels strange. My youngest also had a career change which meant he would no longer be able to keep the flat, hence he is back home I know it wont be permanent and the day will come again when he flee’s the nest again but as long as they are both happy and healthy I don’t mind I am sure you feel the same.
Karen x

I know exactly how you must have felt, Julia, as my son flew the nest a month ago. I was inconsolable for days, especially as due to my work commitments I was unable to drive him and his belongings to London (from Wirral, Merseyside).
I was widowed when Thomas and Lindsay were 6 & 5 years old and we became an even closer little unit ! They are 26 & 24 now and I am proud of them both.
My daughter Lindsay stayed in Manchester with her boyfriend after graduating from uni, while Thomas went to a local uni and stayed at home. I don’t think it matters how old they are .. they are still your children and you will always care and worry.
I’m getting used to coming home to an empty house and cooking for one. In fact in some ways it’s quite nice being able to please myself and have anything I want for dinner, and I’ve still got my cat and hens to talk to !!
I hope that Sophie settles into her new career path and enjoys her new found independence.
Chin up .. love Elaine xx

Hi Julia,
Yes we all accept that they have grown up and have their own independance, but yes when it comes to them actually leaving home and moving into their own that is when it really hits you. I am sure you will still see a lot of her, they always fall back on Mum when then are feeling down or need some help. I hope she settles in okay and good luck on her new career. Is is nice that she is so close to her brother. Just think maybe you will get lots of invites round to Sunday lunch etc now.
Love Jean X

Your suffering from 50%(Dan is still at home?) empty nest syndrome(one of your chicks has flown the nest) Juliax As you’ve already guessed you’ll probably see more of Sophie(in Glasgow we say Sophie “knows were her bread is buttered”) she might not live at your house now but a girl(and boys come to think of it)always need their mum for a quick cuddle and reassurance that things are okayx I’m so sorry to read that the last year was a difficult one – i guess that 2011 wasn’t such a great year for many people(including my family) – but – what doesnt kill us makes us stronger ehxx I became 51 in October(Scorpio,i think Gemini and Scorpio are wary of each other?) and i feel my body and sometimes my mind is not my own – i will be so happy when my hormones settle down – its mad(pun) but i cant identify with my body or self anymore,my skin,hair,nails and body have changed and i cannot get a balance(aeropilates helps along with Zumba,Body Pump and Body Combat, by creating all the endorphins).I’m sure you guys have BP and BC in England? in Glasgow we have what we call the Glasgow Club, this is were the local government offer a months worth of facilities and classes in any of their fitness centres for a very reasonable fee – my favourite classes are BP and BC – pump involves weight training and combat involves boxing moves. I also love to swim(i’m a water sign) but cant reach your 100 lengths(by the way hows the book coming on?) i’m a maximum 30 lengths but trying to increase it a couple of lengths at a time.I suffered from spinal damage due to a back injury in 2002 and am limited in how much i can walk but i just adapt all my fitness(with the help of the fitness trainer)in all my classes etc. I think you’ll understand that at the moment i’m very sad on the football front but am hopefull for a good outcome? As Ali McCoist said “this is my club and i will not desert it when it needs a friend” and i and many others agree with him. I’m so glad my daddy cant see this(hopefully) as he worshipped the club – he was born in 1920 and in the mid 30’s he finished his Saturday job at lunch time and then ran(and it was quite a distance) over to Ibrox as they opened the gates at halftime to let fans in to see the second half(dad didnt have the cash) and he always told us how much he loved doing that,he taught us all the value of money(for me since i’ve found QVC(18 years ago) i’ve not got any money ha ha but have some lovely jewellery,fashion,makeup and skincare!!). Chin up Juliax and please pass on my best wishes to Sophie re her new career(you’ll miss her not only from home but QVC ehx) Look after yourself. Love Linda,Glasgow

If it’s any help Julia, my mum always says how sad she was when each of us fledged, but how there’s no way she’d want any of us back home now! Nice eh!
I love it when Marjolein’s on, she doesn’t come often enough these days for me. Even though I’ve had my machine for over three years now, I still love to watch and listen to her. She is such an inspiration and a really genuine and lovely lady. I dread to think what state I would be in if I didn’t go on my machine every day. I was having a dreadful time of it a few years ago having gone through a particularly demanding and stressful period at work and subsequently been diagnosed with tendonitis. I thought I would never get rid of the aches and pains, couldn’t sleep, etc….. thoroughly miserable. I still suffer from aches and pains as, unfortunately, my job is still very stressful and demanding and I don’t often get chance to take the breaks I should from the computer. But, the daily work outs on my pilates machine sort me out thank goodness. It’s been a real godsend to me.
As you liked my Bare Escentuals poem so much, here’s my Elemis one …..
I thought getting older meant having to resign
To skin pigmentation, dullness and lines
But then I discovered on QVC
A brand that has made such a difference to me
With heavenly aromas and textures sublime
Astounding results on turning back time
In a league of its own, my skin’s Holy Grail
To truly amaze me, this brand has not failed
Though I’ve reached middle age
My skin looks so youthful
Amazing, phenomenal, radiant, beautiful (Keeley’s words Julia!)
Now all other brands, I have to dismiss
No doubt, for me, the only way is Elemis!
Hope that’s helped to cheer you up!
Love
Marian
xx

Hi julia, I know exactly how you feel, my youngest son moved into his flat six years ago and a month later my eldest moved into his house. I still miss them terribly but like you they are only a few miles away. I’m sure sohpie will be popping in to see you more often than you think. I wish her best wishes in her new career and hope she will be happy in her flat. I do enjoy qvc when you are on air with all your stories and experiences, very entertaining. Hope this year will be better for you and look forward to seeing you soon. One good thing when my youngest moved out l had a spare bedroom and am the proud owner of a pilates machine.Be happy.
Love fom wendy. xx

Dont worry Julia,our daughter fled the nest at the tender age of 18yrs old! as did our son to go to uni. This was many years ago, and i thought life would never be the same again. But with the support of a wonderful husband, a full life,and dogs, we now have our daughter around the corner from us in her own home! complete with partner and dog! she comes in most days and it only seems like yesterday that she left!. Our son lives on the other side of the world though and we see them as much as possible, and We have just found out that we are to be a nanny and grandad!!! Where do the years go. Another new life joining our family. One day this will be you!! so enjoy all that is ahead of you.
Much love
Jan

it is never easy when children leave home but you are lucky she is only 20 minutes away I live in a small town and both my children are hours away, robert is 4.5 hours away and my daughter Audrey 5 hours away they cant just pop in and when my granddaughter came along we have been travelling up the road once a month for the last nearly four years. A new grandchild is due in June so busy travelling coming up.

Hi Julia,I know how you feel I had two boys , one left home at ninteen to live with his then girlfriend ,now his wife ,they have been married now for twenty years, and have given me three beautifull grand daughters,and he still only thirty nine,lucky for me they both live ten min. away, but I LOVE it when they all come back home, they have been our life ,still missing them, but not the MESS, lol
love Hefina, ps good luck to Sophie

Hi Julia; We all have difficult times and I too have missed my daughter who married once in 1999 and although moved within a mile the house seemed so empty; After five months she was back home only to marry again last May and is only five minutes away again but the hole it leaves when they are not around is indescribable as a Mother. I am with you all the way. Been with QVC since the beginning – absolutely love it. Love to you. Christine Hindle.

Hello Julia
Yes I can understand how you feel as your once babies are now growing up and it is hard.
I’ve picked up on the support that Sophie has given you over the last year. I too have had a stressful four months with my parents who are in their 80’s. Always fit anf heatlty and what started as a trip for my Mum on a paving stone led to her having a part hip operation, my Dad then had a serious car accident and just when things were starting to get back to normal he had to have a brain op to relieve swelling caused by the accisdent.
They tell me constantly that they could not have managed without me. I am able to give them time but it has not been easy as I have to juggle with work. But they are my parents and I would not have it any other way, so that is why Sophie is such a support and because you are her Mum.
Dan & Sophie are a credit to you and Chris and you should be very proud parents.
On a lighter note it’s great to see the evenings drawing out and Spring will soon be here, that always gives me a boost. Can’t believe the temperatures at the end of the week!! Yay no coat and a bit of Vitmain D.
Keep smiling!!!
Love Joy xx

Hi Julia,
I too know how it feels when your brood leaves home and although my sons live miles away my daughter is only minutes away and I collect my two youngest grandsons from school evey day and give them tea, so I see her or my son in law every day, I always promised her I would be there to help out when I retired and I know she’s very grateful for my help but it’s lovely to be so hands on with the boys.
I am the Reading Sue and once again watching Reading at this critical time, can they go up without having to go in the playoff, I hope so as their record in playoffs is not good.
Best wishes,
Sue

Hi Julia
I hated it when my children left home, but a few years down the road, I have two grandchildren who live five minutes away, my son and daughter have both married their respective partners in the last six months. My daughter lives 20 minutes away. I have just given up work at the age of 55 to look after the grandchildren while their mum and dad carry on with studies etc to try and get a career to enable them to get on with their lifes and improve their childrens lifestyle. (that is my sons family) My daughter is doing a doctorate married to a lovely man who is hoping to start teacher training this autumn and they have two dogs which I feed and let out every lunchtime. My house has never been so full and I have never been so busy. So you see you never know what is round the corner.
PS being a granny is the most special thing in the world!!!!
Love Elaine

Hi Cindy
Thanks for your supportive comments – I’m sure it will be fine and I’m really excited for this new phase of her life. Not only that but her flat mate is just LOVELY!!!!!!
I will probably feel it more when Daniel strikes out on his own too and then it really will be an empty nest
love
Julia x

Hi Martina
It will probably hit me even more when she has left QVC too …… tonight is her last shift and guess who is doing the launch?!?!? I think the guests at QVC will miss her too as they’ve always told me what a credit she is to me.
I think I will need tissues at the ready later …. if this was a tweet I would hash tag ’emotional wreck’!!!!!
love
Julia x

Hi Kay
I really feel for you as it will be even more difficult when your grandchild leaves as well.
Funny enough I feel the same as you about moving which we will be doing in the next few months …… this was only ever temporary while we were all still living together.
You did make me laugh with the comment about locking Daniel up in the attic …… this is a three storey house and he virtually ‘lives’ in the attic apart from meal times …… I wonder if I should put a lock on his door???? LOL
love
Julia x

Hi Kathy
I’ve forgotten to do my base twice in the last week – obviously a lot on my mind!!!!! Actually I don’t wear a heavy base anyway, just Bare Escentuals but it does add a bit of ‘warmth’ to my skin tone!
Can’t believe your wedding is coming around so quickly now … where does the time go??
Loved the paprika colour in the DG jeans – not quite the same fit as the Karen Millen skinnies are they – always a bit too roomy on the legs for me in the 8 which I need for the waist size. I guess they will come in handy when you want something a bit more ‘comfy’!
Good luck with the ‘Race for Life’ – you really have got a busy year!
love
Julia x

Hello Michelle
You know you hit the nail on the head ……. if it works for you and you are all happy then that is the main thing!
Thanks for your lovely comment – to me my most important role in life is to be a good Mum and I hope for the most part I am …. you had me blubbing all over again!!
love
Julia x

Hi Julia
My daughter left home nearly 3 years ago. Well she left home physically but her bedroom is still almost as she left it. I keep asking her when she is coming to clear it out so that I can move some of my stuff into it. The problem is that she has so many Kipling bags that there is not much room in her house for anything else. I was very upset when she left as I am a widow and on my own, but as a previous poster said it is quite nice having the house to yourself doing what you want when you want.
She now has a house of her own, has two cats and is getting married in September so she is happy and this is really all you want for your children.
Sue x

Hello Jeannie
I’m sorry to hear of the troubles you are going through – I hope you are able to keep a positive mental attitude because I am sure that helps. I am not sure whether I will see Ali Young before I am off for 10 days but if I do I will definitely ask for some advice on your behalf and post it here. I think the L’Occitane shea butter ( in the tin ) was a good shout and also try and bathe in oils rather than foaming products …… I am no expert though.
You are right about Sophie, she and her new flatmate came for dinner on Monday night! I guess gradually we will see less and less of her though
please keep watching this space for advice from Ali Young
love
Julia x

Hello Karen
I am so pleased to hear you are now enjoying your Pilates machine – I truly swear by mine and hopefully everyone who bought it as a TSV on Saturday will learn to love theirs too!
I agree with you about our children, as long as they are healthy and happy that is the main thing and seeing them when they have time should be viewed as a bonus!
love
Julia x

Hello Martin
Sophie is settling in well, although she is off on a three week trip to Australia tomorrow, so it will probably all seem a bit strange to her again when she gets back.
I’m well thanks and just about to have a ten day break of my own
love
Julia x

Hello Elaine
Thanks for your comforting words and hope you are getting used to being on your own now? At least I have Chris and for the time being Daniel to soften the blow.
I know what you mean about being able to please yourself on what and sometimes whether to have lunch / dinner without having to consider other people. I do like that occasionally but not sure I would be so keen on it as a permanent state of affairs.
Sophie will be fine as will your son
love
Julia x

Hello Jean
The funny thing is Sophie has lived away from home before when she was at Uni but I guess in that instance she had no choice. She has now chosen to be independent and that is the bit that takes some getting used to.
I’m not sure about being invited over for Sunday lunch – although Sophie CAN cook a lot of the time she elects not to ….. her brother is more interested in cooking than she is! I think it will be more likely that she will come to us or we will go out to eat LOL!
She has settled in fine and starts her new career when she gets back from her holiday to OZ – talk about a life changing month for her!
love
Julia x

Hi Linda
I know Sophie checks my blog sometimes so she will be able to read all the lovely good wishes for her. It is a very exciting time and she is relishing the changes ahead although she is also mindful that moving out, switching not just her job but her career path, and travelling to the other side of the world in the space of a few weeks is pretty stressful and has produced a couple of ‘wobbly’ moments! It is the right thing at the right time for her.
Gosh you really do keep active – you are making me feel guilty as I haven’t had the time to do anything since the Pilates TSV last Saturday. When I finish these replies I’m going in the gym before work!
Sorry about Rangers BUT Palace have been there and survived – Rangers are too big not to survive!
By the way ‘that which does not kill us makes us stronger’ is my FAVOURITE quote and is chapter 37 of my book, which I’m hoping to finish in my 10 days off starting this Saturday
love
Julia x

Hi Marian
I’m sure your Mum meant her comment in the nicest possible way. I guess once used to living without your children in your home it would be difficult to accept the constraints that having them around undoubtedly brings.
In Marjolein and Keeley you have mentioned two of my favourite QVC guests. Both have been an inspiration and support for me in difficult times, and I hope I have been the same for them.
No doubt about it, QVC has introduced me to people for whom I have a great deal of time!
Loved the poem too
love
Julia x

Hi Wendy
Yes space is one thing that is created when the children leave home – sometimes too much though! I hope you love your Pilates machine as much as I do?
I guess although Sophie is only 20 minutes down the road at the moment it may not always be that way, and this is the start of a gradual weaning process.
Thanks for the good wishes for Sophie and also glad to hear you enjoy my QVC appearances.
love
Julia x

Hello Jan
Thanks for the words of encouragement and putting into perspective what the years ahead could potentially hold for Chris and I.
Congratulations on imminently becoming a Grandma – something I hope to be one day …………. but no rush !!!!!
love
Julia x

Hi Christine
I understand your predicament with the travelling as it was the same scenario with my Mum and Dad and Chris’s Mum and Dad when Daniel and Sophie were born. With our chosen careers there simply wasn’t the option to stay nearer to our respective home towns as I should imagine is the case with your children.
Hope all goes well with the new arrival
love
Julia x

Hello Hefina
Good to hear from you – haven’t heard in ages! I know what you mean about the mess. Sophie is a tad on the untidy side but heyho not my problem now!
She will be fine as she stretches her wings and reaches for the sky – quite literally, she is off to Australia in the morning for a 3 week holiday before starting her new job.
love
Julia x

Hi Christine
I hope your daughter will be very happy in her new relationship. It is funny but I think this is so much more a ‘mum’ thing than a parents thing, wouldn’t you agree?
So pleased to hear that you are still with QVC after 18 and a half years ……. that’s AMAZING!!
love
Julia x

Hi Joy
I’m so sorry to hear of the dramas you have been having with your Mum and Dad of late. I hope they are both on the mend now? It’s funny how life comes full circle, but at least you are there for them in their hour of need. I so wish I lived nearer to my Mum and could spend more time just sitting and chatting with her and making her cups of tea!
Thank you for your comment about Daniel and Sophie – I do believe that they have grown into people I would be happy to know even if they weren’t our children ( if you know what I mean ?)
By the way I was out without my coat today – fabulous!
love
Julia x

Hello Sue
Retirement …………. how good does that sound right now???
Seriously though it is great that you are able to be so involved with your grandchildren. I hope when / if our time comes that I will be able to be as hands on as you are.
Reading have had an amazing run – good Manager who Daniel tells me has just signed a new three year deal? Hope you make promotion although if you are in the play offs and we somehow make it too I would clearly be rooting for the Eagles!
love
Julia x

Hi Elaine
It certainly does sound as though you are very involved still with both of your offspring.
I quite like the idea of having grandchildren – I think it’s the thought of being able to hand them back at the end of the day and get a decent nights sleep! As I said in an earlier reply though – no rush!
I hope they all do well with their studies – never too late to appreciate the importance of education
love
Julia x

Hello Sue
This is why we ‘helped’ Sophie so much when she moved out! We still have a few boxes of things ‘in storage’ but hopefully she will be able to reclaim these when she has a bigger place.
Hope all goes well with the wedding
love
Julia x

I watched your show last night Julia, yes its a sad/happy occasion when they leave, my daughter left last year and it does leave a empty feeling alright, i suppose a new phase in everyones life begins and ends, my husband Geoff reckons you have a fine pair of legs, if it keeps them watching quietly so we can see the dresses, well keep showing them i say lol, have a great weekend Julia and i hope Sophie has a great career ahead of her

hi julia
my daughter left home years ago she had our AMBER then got wed
idon see her much even though she lives about 2 miles away
i have no other family then my daughter as my mum dad sister and my brother and husband have all passed away,i know that you will see your daughter, i just wish mine would come some times, all the very best for 2012,lots of love ANN MORAN

Hi Stella
With everything that has gone on over the last month I don’t think it has really sunk in that Sophie has left both home and QVC. It will hit when she is back from OZ I guess.
Thanks for the compliment from your hubbie about my legs!!
love
Julia x

Hello Ann
I hope your daughter starts to visit you more often. I think sometimes we are so busy with our own lives we forget to pay attention to the people we love, especially as you are on your own.
I didn’t really see a lot of my Mum and Dad when I was all over the place dancing but it didn’t mean I loved them any less.
I hope you have happiness in 2012
love
Julia x